The US-Israeli war campaign against Iran has moved into day four, with no sign of a pause. Israel said its air force struck key government sites in Iran overnight, including the country’s presidential complex and a building linked to its top security body. In a post on X, the Israel Defense Forces said it targeted the “Iranian Regime’s Leadership Compound”.
Iran has also launched missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and Gulf states that host US military bases, following US and Israeli-led strikes on Iran that began on Saturday. The tit-for-tat attacks marked a sharp escalation in hostilities and have now entered their fourth consecutive day.
According to the statement, the compound housed Iran’s most senior decision-making forum and was among the most heavily secured locations in the country. The Israel Air Force carried out the strike using what it called precise intelligence.
Here are the top developments from the escalating conflict in the Middle East:
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Two Iranian drones struck the US Embassy compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said, causing a fire and material damage. No injuries were reported as the building was empty. A video showed a huge blaze and thick plumes of smoke coming out of the drone-hit US Embassy.
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Hezbollah fired missiles and drones at Israel for a second day. Israeli forces moved into parts of southern Lebanon, citing defensive needs. Lebanon’s health ministry reported 52 killed and over 150 wounded in Israeli strikes. The Lebanese government had outlawed Hezbollah’s military activities.
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The Indian Embassy in Tehran relocated most Indian students from the capital due to “heightened risk perception”. Authorities arranged transport, food and accommodation. A small number of students declined to move. New Delhi said it is closely monitoring the situation across West Asia.
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Russia warned that the war against Iran could backfire on those same powers by prompting Iran to pursue nuclear weapons, potentially sparking a wider regional arms race. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Gulf Arab leaders and plans to convey their concerns to Tehran over attacks on oil infrastructure.
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Oil prices jumped about 8% on Tuesday, marking a third straight day of sharp gains as the widening conflict in the Middle East rattled energy markets. Several insurers pulled coverage for tankers and container operating in the area, forcing shipping companies to shut the operations near Strait of Hormuz.
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The Israel Defence Forces said it completed additional waves of strikes, with over 60 strike flights in western Iran, hitting Iranian missile launchers, defence systems and live-fire arrays as part of its ongoing campaign.
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Israeli airstrikes flattened the building housing Iran’s Assembly of Experts in Qom, south of Tehran, Iranian state media reported. The 88-member clerical body was reportedly meeting to vote on the next supreme leader when the strike occurred, though not all members were present. Iran’s TV IRIB said the buildings had been evacuated in advance and no casualties were reported.
